The camera shot from behind the net on power plays is not cutting it.
If you want to provide a “value added” service, just gives us more INFORMATION on the screen. You know, shifts, shots, ice-time for certain playoffs, face-off figures and so on. Why do we have to wait for the announcer to say it - if he feels like it?
Thank you.
ISW staff.
Good luck to both Team Canada and Sweden.
Canada will be going for its fifth straight gold medal Monday night after a 6-5 (2-0) shoot-out win over arch-nemesis Russia. It was yet another classic confrontation between the two hockey giants. Someone should really make a movie about this rivalry.
In the over time session, Canada took the play to Russia. Meanwhile, the Russians seemed content to lay back and not attack. I can’t remember ever seeing them do this. It was weird to say the least.
Sweden now stands in the way after they disposed of Slovakia 5-3 (who surprised Team USA in the quarter-finals) in the other semi-final.
Just a couple of years ago some were wondering what happened to Swedish hockey. With their second successive appearance in the finals, we need not ask the question any longer.
Though typically persistent and hardworking, Canada will have to improve its defensive play if it fancies the gold. Not only that, the goaltending also needs to find its footing. If Canada gets into penalty trouble, Sweden will make them pay. The Swedes have probably been the best club overall and should be considered the slight favorites in the final.
Well, the San Diego Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 in overtime. La-dee-daw.
Had I known Peyton was that into his hair I would have picked San Diego to win the game.
Pates should just go Dane Cook and join Hollywood and be done with it. Maybe he’ll get a role with Jessica Simpson or something. Hey, they should offer Romo a part too! The movie could be called Play Action: Doing Dallas.
By Sal Marinello
Lipozene is yet another weight loss supplement that features claims of effectiveness, but falls short when it comes to providing clinical proof. Personal trainers should alert their clients to this sham and consumers should save their money.
During a weekend edition of ESPN’s SportCenter I saw a commercial for a weight-loss product called Lipozene. The advertisement featured the typical marketing claims that we’ve come to expect from the companies that pimp these products, but with a bit of a twist. Rather than pump the hard-body angle, the Lipozene folks dressed up their ad with a contrived clinical presentation.
I visited the Lipozene web site and was really underwhelmed. Despite the claims made by the Obesity Research Institute (ORI) - the company name that’s branded on the packaging – that Lipozene is “clinically proven to reduce body fat,” no research is provided on the web site. Although there is plenty of information about how to buy the product, the ORI provides scant reason to buy their product.
What the Obesity Research Institute does tell us is that their supplement contains Glucomannan, a 100% natural fiber from the Konjac Root and that this substance, “creates a dietary fiber sponge that makes you feel full, thus reducing caloric intake and adding fiber to your diet.” However, actual clinical data supporting these claims is not available on the Lipozene web site and given the dearth of credible data for glucomannan – except for its effectiveness as a laxative - this is not a surprise.
What’s even more interesting is what I found when I did a Google search for the Obesity Research Institute. It seems that the good folks that are responsible for Lipozene have a checked past. Back in June of 2005 the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with the Obesity Research Institute over the false and misleading claims made in the marketing several of their products, among them FiberThin and Propolene, 2 weight loss supplements that contained – you guessed it – glucomannan. The ORI was also shilling other weight loss snake oils that contained green tea, chromium and bitter orange that the FTC but the kibosh on.
As part of the FTC judgment the principals at the OBI were ordered to pay a $1.5 million consumer redress and had an additional $41 million judgment suspended pending an investigation of their financial status. More interesting are the details of the settlement “that permanently bars the defendants from making the challenged “Red Flag” claims and unsubstantiated claims for any weight-loss product, dietary supplement, food, drug, or device, or misrepresenting any scientific study for the purposes of marketing a dietary supplement.”
It seems that the OBI folks are walking on pretty thin ice with their Lipozene advertising campaign. If you haven’t seen it, check out one of their ads.
Needless to say, Lipozene represents the worst of the worst when it comes to working the system in an attempt to take advantage of gullible consumers. If you haven’t bought Lipozene, don’t, and if you have you can file a complaint with the FTC.
After seeing three Italian teams get hooked up with three English clubs in Champions League play, I was reminded I needed to buy some espresso and tea.
I also thought about the history between the two leagues. Aside from meeting up in the usual continental tournaments like Champions League, UEFA, Super Cup and the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup, they in fact had a little thing going between just the two of them.
Cue song: Just the two of us.
Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us, just the two of us
Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
It was originally called the Anglo-Italian Cup (and an assortment of other names. It was preceded by the Coppa Ottorino Barassi disputed between the Amateur champions in each country) and it all began in the summer of love, 1969. It essentially was a tournament for semi-professional teams. Sadly, it all came crashing down in 1976 when disco was taking over the world like communists. But it was revived the same year under the name Gigi Peronace Memorial tournament and it continued to be for semi-pro teams. The competition ended in 1993 when minor professional teams (second division) began to participate.
All told, Italian teams won 17 of 24 contests.
In terms of professional sides, English sides hold a 65-57 edge in wins with 41 ties (for CL, UEFA, CWC. Figures up until Dec. 2008.) However, in terms of total trophies (Italy 45, England 37. Spain is second) and number of teams placed in a final, Serie A holds a net advantage over its English counterparts.
Italian teams travel better than English teams too. English sides have a less than mediocre record against South American teams. Between 1960-2004, the Intercontinental Club Cup pitted the CL winners against the winners of the Coppa Libertadores. England amassed a 1-5 record while Italy managed a 7-5 record - which is among the best with Argentina. Now called FIFA Club World, England is 1-1 and Italy 1-0.
I can keep breaking down the stats (and I have) but it will take me longer to input. Maybe I’ll add to it as we move closer to the resumption of CL play.
Nonetheless, whenever Spain, Italy and England match up, it’s always a fascinating watch.
The NHL doesn’t do marketing well in general but whoever came up with playing hockey outdoors deserves a pat on the back.
The Original: Habs/Oilers
From the day the Heritage Classic was staged in 2003 the NHL hit a winner. The inaugural game starred the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. The Habs won 4-3 before 57 167 fans at Commonwealth Stadium (where the Edmonton Eskimos play) in Edmonton. Last year, Buffalo hosted a successful snowy game at Ralph Wilson Stadium (home of the Buffalo Bills) between the hometown Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens won 2-1 in a shoot-out (winner scored by Sidney Crosby) after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw through regulation and overtime before 71 217 fans.
For 2009, the NHL headed t0 Chicago’s Wrigley Field - home to many great sports moments (mostly in baseball involving the Cubs. You know, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Kerry Woods, some Division titles etc.) for a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the defending Stanley Cup champions Detroit Red Wings. The game will mark the 701st meeting between the two historic Original Six franchises.
Detroit holds the lead with 355 wins, 254 losses and 84 ties (remember those?). In the playoffs, Chicago holds a 38-31 lead and won eight of 14 series between the two. Detroit have won 11 Stanley Cups with last year being their most recent. Chicago have three in their trophy case. The third one was earned in 1961 - against their rivals from Detroit winning that series in six games.
From Howe to Lindsay, Hall to Makita, Hull to Delvecchio, Pilote to Sawchuk, Yzerman to Savard, a new generation is set to lead this rivalry into another era with the likes of Kane, Toews, Zetterberg and Datsyuk.
The 2009 edition of the Winter Classic showcased the established aristocratic Red Wings nobility against the up and coming innovative Blackhawks bourgeoisie.
By the time it was all over, the upstart Blackhawks lost their fourth game against their Red Winged rivals so far this season by a score of 6-4 before 40 818 faithful (figuratively speaking given there were Wings fans in attendance) supporters.
On to New York’s Yankees stadium for next season’s Winter Classic!
PS: Not a peep or boo during the singing of ‘O, Canada.’
I noticed TSN didn’t broadcast the national anthems prior to the showdown between the United States and Canada.
Hmm.
I could be wrong but I sat and watched to see if we’d boo the American anthem. I guess TSN wasn’t interested and figured to black it out.
In any event, it should be a good one.
NFL teams did not waste much time in dismissing Romeo Crennel (Cleveland), Rod Marinelli (Detroit) and Eric Mangini (New York Jets).
End of a Broncos era
I’m sure many people were (and are) waiting for Kansas City to send Herm Edwards home or even Wade Phillips in Dallas. Instead, news came out that Mike Shanahan was axed after 14 years as head coach of the Denver Broncos. Despite Shanahan’s red face, race was not a factor in the decision.
Shanahan was a Colorado institution. He delivered two Super Bowl titles (after four misses for the franchise) to the Broncos faithful and it looked like he was coach for life.
The question is who do the Broncos have in mind? What direction will they take? How will they fix that pourous defense? Of course, rumours will swirl with Cleveland and Detroit (two former proud NFL franchises that have faltered in the Super Bowl era) now looking for coaches.
In any event, it will be odd for fans to look over the Denver sidelines and not see Shanahan there.
By Daniel Freer
Although it may not share the same marquee-value as the BCS National Championship Game that will be played in the same Dolphins Stadium one week later, the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl (January 1st, 8:30 PM, Fox) will feature two conference champions who want to represent themselves, and their sometimes-maligned conferences, in a grand fashion before a national television audience.
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Cincinnati Bearcats, both the somewhat-surprising champions of their conferences (ACC, Big East, respectively), meet in suburban Miami in what could be a close, low-scoring matchup.
The Orange Bowl could be the national-breakout game for some talented athletes from both teams, including Cincinnati WR Mardy Gilyard (photo, thanks IconSMI), who faces one of the best pass defenses in the land in Virginia Tech.
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (Head Coach: Frank Beamer)
Usually, when discussing teams, the offense is mentioned first. However, with the Hokies (9-4), it is best to talk about the defense and special teams, first
Although the Mullins BlitzIndex 2008 Prebowl BlitzIndex Worksheet - Google Docs lists the Hokies at 29th overall on defense, they dominate in their usually strong categories…especially turnovers and turnover margin. Virginia Tech snagged 30 turnovers from opponents this season…six of them in interceptions by top CB Victor “Macho” Harris…two of those returned for TDs
Special teams are another area of strength for the Hokies, who annually block a number of kicks and punts…while returning opponents kicks and punts for TDs. Hokies head man Frank Beamer coaches the special teams himself…one of the few head coaches that directly handle that area.
Offensively, the Hokies have a top RB in Darren Evans, who ran for over 1100 yards and 10 TDs in 2008. His performance has been a boon to the Hokies, who have struggled to throw the football this season.
Not that QB Tyrod Taylor is a slouch at running the offense. He was second on the team in rushing with nearly 700 yards and 6 TDs. Taylor threw for under 900 yards in 2008, but his main weapons are his legs. The top receiver for VT this season was WR Jarrett Boykin, who had 413 yards receiving and 2 TDs.
CINCINNATI BEARCATS (Head Coach: Brian Kelly)
With the Bearcats, the top two players to watch are at wide receiver. WRs Mardy Gilyard (1118 yards, 7 TDs receiving) and Dominick Goodman (977 yards, 7 TDs receiving), possess big-play capability…and make it hard for opposing defenses to get away with double-covering one or the other.
Having two top-flight WRs has made it an easier transition for Bearcat QB Tony Pike, who took over the starting QB job when Dustin Grutza suffered a season-ending injury early in 2008. Pike responded with over 2100 yards passing and 18 TD passes…and hit a number of big pass plays during the Bearcats championship run.
The UC backfield has been steady most of the season, led by RBs Jacob Ramsey (630 yards, 2 TDs) and John Goebel (581 yards, 7 TDs). The ground game could be a factor if the Hokies are able to contain the Bearcats passing attack.
Although Virginia Tech gets more recognition for its defense, the Bearcats defenders were pretty good, too…in fact, finishing ahead of the Hokies in the Mullins BlitzIndex.
INTERESTING:
Virginia Tech has lost the last four BCS Bowls they have played in, including a loss in last season’s Orange Bowl game to Kansas. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), as a whole, have lost in their last 8 BCS Bowl appearances.
Cincinnati is making their first-ever BCS Bowl appearance, and their 10th overall bowl appearance in the program’s history. Their Big East Conference brethren have fared much better in BCS Bowls than their ACC counterparts in recent years…Big East teams have won in their last three BCS Bowl games.
Both schools have met in a bowl game previously, in the 1947 Sun Bowl, won by Cincinnati. It was the first-ever bowl game for both programs.
IN SUMMATION:
Look for a low-scoring game, and, one which could be won with a big play late in the game. Especially watch the matchup between Cincinnati’s WR duo of Gilyard and Goodman, against the tough Virginia Tech secondary. Whoever fares better between the two groups should win the game. In an overall assessment of both teams, Cincinnati may have the slight advantage over Virginia Tech…especially if the offenses needs to make key plays late.
PREDICTION:
Cincinnati 20 Virginia Tech 16
From Basketball Notes By Alex
I have made my selections for the 2009 All-Star game.
For the West: Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Brandon Roy, and Al Jefferson.
For the East: LeBron James, Danny Granger, Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, and Dwight Howard.
I like Amare because he has played consistent ball in Phoenix and consistency is the biggest issue with this team.
Timmy D has kept the Spurs going strong, despite tough times with injuries earlier in the season.
Kobe, of course, because he has the best team in the West on his back. He also has got good fan vote to get him in.
Roy has been incredible this year, those games were he’s taken over have shown his greatness to be at an All-Star level.
Al won’t start because Yao dominates the Chinese vote; but if you look at what he puts up, he’s got to be considered.
Carmelo Anthony is also likely to steal away a spot on the team because he is popular. There are probably one or two more players who get in because they’re liked.
LeBron is the MVP right now, his team is doing great and he’s performed at an All-Star level.
Granger probably won’t start, but taking a leadership role and meeting those expectations has shown he can really play in this league.
Rondo has shown tremendous improvement this year and I am amazed at his progress.
DWade is back and better than ever; his team may not be tremendous, but he’s been great and he’s got the fan vote on his side as well.
What can I say about D12. Leading the league in double-doubles, dominating games, showing offensive skills; this is what I wanted to see out of him.
Allen Iverson is a candidate to steal a starting spot away from one of these players. He’s got tremendous fan favor, look out Rondo!
I am looking forward to this game, it should be a good one. Let’s hear who you think should make the starting lineups in the comments.
